Best 5 Solar Companies in Woodland, CA

Woodland residents are purposeful about preserving its natural resources and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar companies for their homes. If you live in one of the area's many old homes, you might not think your electrical system would support solar panels. However, new innovations and experienced installers can help these homeowners access sustainable, clean power. In this article, we'll show you Woodland's best solar companies and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of Woodland solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the superior:

• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Woodland community for more than a decade.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Woodland solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.
• Lower utility costs: Producing some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Woodland Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Woodland

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Consider each of these criteria in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar pool heaters, water heaters, photovoltaic (PV) systems, boilers, and HVAC. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of experience as an apprentice or journeyman, and pass written exams to secure a license. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Woodland

Your photovoltaic panels' type will influence how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies provide these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Woodland homeowners select solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,350 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Woodland

Choosing the right financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements, and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Woodland.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy